My '74 RS IROC project

[mpeastend]

Hi all, I'm starting up a thread to document a conversion that Doc Ramsey just started for me.

I own a '70T targa which just isn't what I really wanted. That Porsche ideal is the '74 RS IROC. I've watched several threads, especially those from Air Cooled Classics, and decided to do a little pre-project fact gathering. So I traded a few emails with Don Ramsey, which led to phone calls (he even spoke to me in the evening when at home, so we wouldn't be interrupted...he's a busy guy during the day!). We both started looking for a roller for this project. I had no luck up here in NY, but Don came through with an aquaintance parting out an '82 euro coupe. Soon it was at his shop and I was busy sourcing parts for the car. Since he was finishing up other projects, it gave me time to get the critical items he would need. Cores were found & shipped to Mike Lindsey for his famous P2's, tires bought, a setrab oil cooler from Elephant, tons of odds and ends from Pelican, a Fuel Safe cell, camberboxes & swaybars from SRP. Turbo trailing arms from DC Automotive...this list goes on and on.

Now the project is getting rolling and Don is great about sending pics to show the progress. I even went down to meet him, see the facility and check out the car. Man, Air Cooled Classics is pretty big! He has four large buildings and it seems he handles most, if not all, aspects of restoration/maintenance/fabrication. He has more room than all of the shops I've seen up here in the northeast and ALOT of P-cars. I counted more than forty! BTW, I saw the C2 RSR backdate car in person...pictures don't do it justice!

My goal is to have a nice DE car with occasional street use but I don't want it to look like a stripped down racecar. I want it to appear just as the RS's were delivered from the factory...spartan interiors, no AC, no radio, just venting and heat (it is the northeast after all !) Once Don finishes the car, I'll be picking it up as a roller since I would like to do the suspension, brakes and interior myself. Then I'll have to decide between a 3.6 transplant or something wilder. Matteo's 3.9L monster will be amazing when completed but mine would be quite a few notches lower in the power dept. BTW, I emailed Matteo regarding his project...he has really done his homework regarding the motor. His replies were very informative in regards to the pitfalls and what needs to be done to get big power out of a 964/993. Can't wait for that motor to fire up!

Anyway, Don has stripped the car down and removed the sound deadening material & undercoating. It's now ready to be media blasted prior to the roll cage and suspension mods being installed. Then it'll be time to fit the bodywork, prep it for painting and then....mexico blue. I know what you're thinking, he's copying Matteo's project, but I have had that color in mind for some time .

Anyway hope you enjoy the thread and Don's work! Mike P.

[mpeastend]

The car when it was still on the road:


The car as delivered to Don's shop as a roller:




Tough job getting undercoating off!


Turbo fenders waiting to be fitted:


The C2 RSR


A few of Don's customers:


Sound deadening coming out:


Parts just waiting:

[mpeastend]

Rear fenders cut:


Rear seats cut out to make room for SRP camberboxes:




Sunroof to be welded shut:


Interior prepped for media blasting:

[mpeastend]

[m325ix]

wow...looks like a great project, good luck !
PS it brings a lot of memories !

[mpeastend]

m325ix...are you happy with the performance out of the 3.2 or do you really need something more? I ask because I don't know how stripped down (light) your RSR is. Mike P.

[rattlsnak]

Keep the photos coming,. Looks great!

[9elf]

I'm subscribing. This is interesting! Excellent photo's.

[m325ix]

Originally posted by mpeastend
m325ix...are you happy with the performance out of the 3.2 or do you really need something more? I ask because I don't know how stripped down (light) your RSR is. Mike P.

My RSR is very light: fiberglass rear 1/4 panels and front fenders, front and rear bumpers, carbon fiber hood and rear spoiler, the interior is stripped of all the insulation and rear seats, carbon fiber door panels and dash, etc...
3.2 is pretty good but now compared to my 380HP e30 M3 it's a little sluggish I am thinking about turboing it or selling the car and getting something else for the next project

[quattrorunner]

Sorry, gotta watch.

[Stutgart46]

This looks like a great project. I am waiting for my '82 to be shipped from New Mexico within the next couple of weeks. I am planning on something similar but with a different (read as smaller) budget.
I don't think that you will be disapointed with Air Cooled Classics, they are some of the nicest guys around and their work is stellar.
Good luck and please keep the pics coming.

[Porsche Doc]

Yea! Were going to enjoy the project.
Mike had it pretty much figured out when he came to me about the project.
He had already done is homework well. It's been really great working with him.
I also have been wanting to do a Mexico Blue car as well. It will be a nice car.
We just finished removing the rubberized under coating last week.
IMO That has to be the worst part of the whole job!
That stuff is really on there good.
The chassis left for the blasters the other day and will be back the end of next week.
Soon as it gets back we will etch prime it all.

[911teo]

Wow... another great project! Subscribed. Keep us all posted... and when u go and collect the car from Don... Give me a call... let's do the Dragon together!!!!

Keep the pics coming. Having seen Don's previous cars I am sure this is going to me AMAZING!

[Wayne 962]

Wow, big project!

-Wayne

[mpeastend]

The last of my photos...I won't have any more until Doc snaps some more pics.

The type of RSR Lindsey's I'll be using. These happen to be for an RS bodied car...they were going on my '70T but when I switched projects, Doc scooped them up for one of his 914/6 GT cars. The new ones will be 9.5x17 up front and 11x17 in the back. The rears will have an offset which takes advantage of my using 930 arms without the rear spacers...it will have an even "deeper" appearance than normal 11x17's:


My stash of Wevo goodness...soon to be put to good use. My car will have torsion bars just like the original IROC's but Doc Ramsey is providing chassis reinforcement to allow a switch to coilovers in the future if wanted:


Recaro Pole Positions with Sabelts:


GTP LW's from Steve @ Rennsport...they were for a '70 but now with the turbo trailing arms using 3 1/2" spacing...I'm not sure I can find an adapter to mount them which is a shame since I really like the lower unsprung weight vs regular GTP's!
The fronts:


And my problem children...the rear:


Bill V...Steve W...is there a solution to my dilemma or do I have to get rid of my pride and joys?

[Pkaaso]

Wow! Great project. Mind if I tag along?

Paul

[MichiganMat]

Good Lord, what a project.
{drool}

[PorscheGuy79]

Ulgh, its things like this that make me sad that my 911 isnt being put to its best use.

[jorian]

We're not worthy! We're not worthy!

[YTNUKLR]

Yet another object of envy...